The many faces of Sweden's 'broccoli tree'

At first glance, this tree situated along the banks of Lake Vättern in Jönköping, Sweden may not appear all that remarkable, but if you ask photographer Patrik Svedberg about it, he will change your mind.

Ever since Svedberg began documenting this unassuming "broccoli tree" (or "Broccoliträdeton" in Swedish) on Instagram in 2013, the 44-year-old Swede has witnessed multiple transformations — even as its roots have stayed planted firmly in the ground.

While the tree is obviously the "main character" in this series, it's the revolving door of different people and environments that surround the tree that make this series so timeless and remarkable.

As Svedberg explains: "It’s all about framing and what randomly takes place when I’m there. Sometimes it’s the most beautiful sky. Sometimes it’s a couple in their 90s. Sometimes it’s birds or stars or [it's] just so, so gray and dull. But it’s almost never about the tree itself."

People often ask Svedberg what drew him to this particular photographic
subject or whether there's
a story behind the tree, to which he simply
responds, "if there is one, then I’m writing it right now."

Continue below to see the stoic plant change throughout the seasons, and follow all of the tree's stationary (yet thrilling!) adventures on Instagram (@thebroccolitree) or on the official Broccoli Tree website.